The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins’ visit to drought-affected regions of South Australia, describing it an important step in acknowledging the worsening crisis facing rural communities.
NFF President David Jochinke said the visit today and tomorrow provided an opportunity for the Minister to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders, including the NFF’s member Primary Producers SA (PPSA), about the worsening conditions and the urgent need for coordinated support.
“We appreciate Minister Collins taking the time to meet with those on the front lines of this drought,” Mr Jochinke said.
“This visit sends a strong message to farmers that their voices are being heard in Canberra.”
“Each week, the situation worsens. April rainfall was below average across much of the country, with parts of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia recording their driest 14-month period on record,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Farmers in New South Wales are also doing it tough, with the latest figures showing 23 per cent of the state now drought-affected.”
The NFF welcomed today’s announcement of an additional $800,000 in funding for Rural Financial Counselling Service providers in South Australia and Victoria – a measure the NFF has advocated for.
The NFF also notes the Minister’s comments regarding the $36 million extension of funding for the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Communities Program, as outlined in last year’s FDF Investment Strategy. The sector welcomed the extended FDF funding, but implores the Government to work closely with industry, both nationally and at state level, to ensure this funding effectively supports genuine sector resilience and preparedness efforts.
The NFF continues to call for a comprehensive drought response, including:
- The Prime Minister to tour drought-affected regions.
- Extending the Regional Investment Corporation’s loan capacity past 30 June 2026.
- Respond to the independent review of the Regional Investment Corporation.
- Hold the 2025 National Drought Forum in a drought-affected region in southern Australia.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the Minister to ensure farmers and regional communities get the support they need, both now and into the future,” Mr Jochinke said.
Ashleigh Whittaker
Stacey Davidson